Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented medical data processing method for supporting positioning an associated patient for treatment by at least one of radiotherapy or radiosurgery, the method comprising executing, on at least one processor of at least one computer, steps of: acquiring at the at least one processor, planning image data describing a digital planning image of a reference structure; acquiring at the at least one processor, reference structure position data describing a predetermined relative position between the reference structure and an anatomical body part of the associated patient and describing a relative position between the reference structure and a predetermined reference position; acquiring at the at least one processor, thermal image data describing a digital thermal image of the reference structure; acquiring at the at least one processor, imaging device position data describing a relative position between the reference structure and an associated thermal imaging device used for taking the digital thermal image and describing a predetermined relative position between the associated thermal imaging device and the predetermined reference position; determining, by the at least one processor and based on the planning image data, planning image pattern data describing a planning image pattern in the digital planning image assigned to a representation of the reference structure; determining, by the at least one processor and based on the thermal image data, thermal image pattern data describing a thermal image pattern in the digital thermal image assigned to the representation of the reference structure; determining positional difference data by the at least one processor based on: the reference structure position data, the imaging device position data, the planning image pattern data, and the thermal image pattern data, the positional difference data describing a difference between: a relative position between the anatomical body part of the associated patient and the predetermined reference position at a point in time at which the planning image data was generated, and a relative position between the anatomical body part of the associated patient and the predetermined reference position at a point in time at which the thermal image data was generated.
This invention relates to medical data processing for precise patient positioning in radiotherapy or radiosurgery. The method uses thermal imaging to align a patient's anatomical body part with a predetermined reference position, ensuring accurate treatment delivery. The system acquires planning image data of a reference structure, such as a marker or anatomical landmark, and reference structure position data that defines its relative position to the patient's body part and a fixed reference point. Thermal image data of the reference structure is also captured, along with imaging device position data that describes the thermal camera's position relative to the reference structure and the fixed reference point. The system then extracts planning and thermal image patterns from the respective images. By comparing these patterns with the known positional relationships, the system calculates positional difference data, which quantifies the shift in the patient's body part between the planning and treatment stages. This enables real-time adjustments to ensure the patient is correctly positioned for radiotherapy or radiosurgery, improving treatment accuracy and safety. The method leverages thermal imaging for non-invasive, high-precision alignment, addressing challenges in patient positioning during radiation therapy.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the determining the planning image pattern data comprises: segmenting the representation of the reference structure in the digital planning image.
This invention relates to medical imaging and surgical planning, specifically improving the accuracy of planning image patterns for medical procedures. The problem addressed is the difficulty in precisely identifying and segmenting anatomical structures in digital planning images, which is critical for accurate surgical planning and navigation. The invention provides a method for determining planning image pattern data by segmenting a representation of a reference structure in a digital planning image. The segmentation process involves analyzing the digital image to isolate and define the boundaries of the reference structure, such as a bone or organ, to create a precise digital model. This segmented data is then used to generate planning image patterns that guide medical procedures, ensuring that the planned intervention aligns accurately with the patient's anatomy. The method enhances the reliability of surgical navigation systems by reducing errors in image interpretation and improving the precision of anatomical targeting. The segmentation step is a key aspect, as it ensures that the reference structure is accurately represented in the planning data, which is essential for subsequent steps in the surgical workflow. The invention is particularly useful in fields like orthopedic surgery, where precise bone segmentation is critical for implant placement or fracture reduction. By automating and refining the segmentation process, the method reduces the need for manual adjustments and improves the overall efficiency and safety of medical procedures.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the determining the thermal image pattern data comprises: segmenting the representation of the reference structure in the digital thermal image.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the planning image pattern comprises a contour or an area in the planning image.
This invention relates to medical imaging and treatment planning, specifically for systems that generate planning image patterns to guide medical procedures. The problem addressed is the need for precise visualization of target regions in medical images to improve accuracy in treatments such as radiation therapy or surgical interventions. The invention describes a method for generating a planning image pattern that highlights a specific contour or area within a planning image. The planning image is derived from medical imaging data, such as CT or MRI scans, and is used to identify and delineate regions of interest, such as tumors or anatomical structures. The planning image pattern is overlaid on the planning image to provide clear visual guidance for treatment planning. The method involves processing the medical imaging data to extract relevant features, such as tissue boundaries or tumor margins, and then generating a contour or area-based pattern that outlines these features. The contour may be a line or boundary that traces the edge of the target region, while the area may be a filled region that highlights the entire target. This pattern is then displayed on the planning image to assist medical professionals in accurately identifying and targeting the region for treatment. The invention improves upon existing methods by providing a more intuitive and precise way to visualize treatment targets, reducing errors and enhancing the effectiveness of medical interventions. The use of contours or areas ensures that the planning image pattern is adaptable to different types of medical imaging data and treatment requirements.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the thermal image pattern comprises a contour or an area in the planning image.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the positional difference data describes a transformation between: the relative position between the anatomical body part and the predetermined reference position at the point in time at which planning image data was generated; and the relative position between the anatomical body part and the predetermined reference position at the point in time at which the thermal image data was generated.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined reference position comprises an isocenter of an associated treatment device usable for the radiotherapy therapy or the radiosurgery.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the determining the planning image data and the thermal image pattern data comprises: determining similarity measure data describing a similarity measure defining a similarity between image features in the digital planning image and the digital thermal image.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the determining the positional difference data comprises: determining, by the at least one processor and based on the similarity measure data and the reference structure position data and the imaging device position data, relative position data describing: the relative position between the anatomical body part and the predetermined reference position at the point in time at which planning image data was generated; and the relative position between the anatomical body part and the predetermined reference position at the point in time at which the thermal image data was generated.
10. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising generating the planning image data by applying a tomographic imaging modality to the reference structure or by imaging the reference structure with an infrared-sensitive imaging device.
This invention relates to medical imaging techniques for generating planning images used in medical procedures, particularly in radiation therapy or surgical planning. The problem addressed is the need for accurate, high-contrast imaging of internal anatomical structures to guide treatment or intervention. Traditional imaging methods may lack sufficient detail or contrast for precise planning, especially when targeting specific tissues or structures. The method involves generating planning image data by applying a tomographic imaging modality, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to a reference structure within the body. Alternatively, the reference structure can be imaged using an infrared-sensitive imaging device, which captures thermal or near-infrared radiation to enhance visibility of certain tissues or structures. The reference structure serves as a stable anatomical landmark to improve the accuracy of subsequent medical procedures. The tomographic imaging modality provides cross-sectional images, allowing for detailed visualization of internal anatomy, while the infrared-sensitive imaging device offers contrast based on thermal properties or infrared absorption. This dual approach ensures that the planning image data is both anatomically precise and functionally relevant, improving the reliability of treatment planning. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional imaging fails to provide sufficient contrast or resolution for critical structures.
11. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: acquiring, at the at least one processor, thermal reference data describing a predetermined model of a thermal image appearance of the reference structure; and determining, by the at least one processor and based on the thermal reference data and the planning image data, thermal planning data describing a mapping of the predetermined model onto the digital planning image, wherein the positional difference data is determined based on the thermal planning data.
12. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: determining, by the at least one processor and based on the positional difference data, treatment device control data describing positional control information for controlling a relative position between a patient support unit for supporting a body of the associated patient and a treatment device usable for treating the patient with at least one of radiotherapy or radiosurgery, and determining, by the at least one processor and based on the treatment device control data, control data describing a command for moving the patient support unit relative to the treatment device and issuing the command to a motion control unit such that a target area being the target of the at least one of radiotherapy or radiosurgery is positioned at the reference position.
13. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring the planning image data describing the digital planning image of the reference structure comprises: acquiring planning image data describing a digital planning image of: a face of the associated patient; and an open face mask medical device attached to the face of the associated patient, the open face mask medical device defining a contour in the planning image data, wherein the planning image pattern data describes the contour as the planning image pattern.
Medical imaging for patient treatment planning. This technology addresses the need for accurate acquisition of planning image data that includes both patient anatomy and a medical device worn by the patient. The process involves acquiring digital planning image data that depicts the face of an associated patient. Simultaneously, digital planning image data is acquired for an open face mask medical device attached to the patient's face. This face mask medical device is designed to define a contour within the planning image data. The acquired planning image data describes this defined contour as a planning image pattern, enabling precise representation of the device's position and interaction with the patient's anatomy within the digital planning environment.
14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring the thermal image data describing the digital thermal image of the reference structure comprises: acquiring, after the associated patient has been placed on a patient support unit of a treatment apparatus for carrying out the at least one of the radiotherapy treatment or the radiosurgery, thermal image data describing a digital thermal image of: the anatomical body part of the associated patient; and the reference structure attached to the anatomical body part of the associated patient.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable program storage medium storing a program thereon for supporting positioning an associated patient for treatment by at least one of radiotherapy or radiosurgery, the program being executable by a computer of an associated patient pre-positioning apparatus for supporting the pre-positioning by: acquiring planning image data describing a digital planning image of a reference structure; acquiring reference structure position data describing a predetermined relative position between the reference structure and an anatomical body part of the associated patient and describing a relative position between the reference structure and a predetermined reference position; acquiring thermal image data describing a digital thermal image of the reference structure; acquiring imaging device position data describing a relative position between the reference structure and an associated thermal imaging device used for taking the digital thermal image and describing a predetermined relative position between the associated thermal imaging device and the predetermined reference position; determining, based on the planning image data, planning image pattern data describing a planning image pattern in the digital planning image assigned to a representation of the reference structure; determining, based on the thermal image data, thermal image pattern data describing a thermal image pattern in the digital thermal image assigned to the representation of the reference structure; determining positional difference data based on: the reference structure position data, the imaging device position data, the planning image pattern data, and the thermal image pattern data, the positional difference data describing a difference between: a relative position between the anatomical body part of the associated patient and the predetermined reference position at a point in time at which the planning image data was generated, and a relative position between the anatomical body part of the associated patient and the predetermined reference position at a point in time at which the thermal image data was generated.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable program storage medium according to claim 15 , wherein the program stored thereon is executable by the computer of the associated patient pre-positioning apparatus for further supporting the pre-positioning by: acquiring planning image data describing a digital planning image of: a face of the associated patient; and an open face mask medical device attached to the face of the associated patient, the open face mask medical device defining a contour in the planning image data, wherein the planning image pattern data describes the contour as the planning image pattern.
17. A system for supporting positioning a patient for at least one of radiotherapy treatment or radiosurgery, the system comprising: a) a computer operable to: acquire planning image data describing a digital planning image of a reference structure; acquire reference structure position data describing a predetermined relative position between the reference structure and an anatomical body part of the associated patient and describing a relative position between the reference structure and a predetermined reference position; acquire thermal image data describing a digital thermal image of the reference structure; acquire imaging device position data describing a relative position between the reference structure and an associated thermal imaging device used for taking the digital thermal image and describing a predetermined relative position between the associated thermal imaging device and the predetermined reference position; determine, based on the planning image data, planning image pattern data describing a planning image pattern in the digital planning image assigned to a representation of the reference structure; determine, based on the thermal image data, thermal image pattern data describing a thermal image pattern in the digital thermal image assigned to the representation of the reference structure; determine positional difference data based on: the reference structure position data, the imaging device position data, the planning image pattern data, and the thermal image pattern data, the positional difference data describing a difference between: a relative position between the anatomical body part of the associated patient and the predetermined reference position at a point in time at which the planning image data was generated, and a relative position between the anatomical body part of the associated patient and the predetermined reference position at a point in time at which the thermal image data was generated; b) an electronic data storage device storing at least the planning image data, the reference structure position data and the imaging device position data; c) a thermal imaging device receiving the digital thermal image, the thermal imaging device being operably coupled to the at least one computer for transmitting a signal to the at least one computer corresponding to the thermal image data; d) a treatment device usable for treating the patient with the at least one of the radiotherapy treatment or the radiosurgery; and e) a patient support unit for supporting the patient's body, wherein the computer is operably coupled with the at least one electronic data storage device for acquiring, from the at least one data storage device, the planning image data, the reference structure position data and the imaging device position data, wherein the computer is operably coupled to at least one of the treatment device or the patient support unit.
The system supports precise patient positioning for radiotherapy or radiosurgery by aligning a patient's anatomical body part with a predetermined reference position using thermal imaging. The system includes a computer that acquires planning image data of a reference structure, reference structure position data (defining the reference structure's position relative to the anatomical body part and a predetermined reference position), and thermal image data of the reference structure. The computer also acquires imaging device position data (defining the thermal imaging device's position relative to the reference structure and the predetermined reference position). The computer then determines a planning image pattern from the planning image data and a thermal image pattern from the thermal image data. Using these patterns along with the reference and imaging device position data, the computer calculates positional difference data, which describes the difference in the anatomical body part's position relative to the reference position between the time the planning image was taken and the time the thermal image was taken. The system includes an electronic data storage device for storing the planning image data, reference structure position data, and imaging device position data. A thermal imaging device captures the thermal image and transmits the data to the computer. The system also includes a treatment device for radiotherapy or radiosurgery and a patient support unit. The computer is connected to the data storage device, treatment device, and/or patient support unit to facilitate positioning adjustments. This ensures accurate alignment of the patient for treatment.
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February 23, 2021
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